6.10 - Explain the concept of polytheism and its presence in Mes

Why did Mesopotamians give offerings in their temples?

• They wanted to develop a system of measurement

• They wanted to be the first empire

• They wanted to be rewarded with peace and good crops

• They wanted to create a new writing system

According to Mesopotamian religion, how did the gods influence everyday life in Sumer?

• It was believed that all gods deferred to the wishes of the Mesopotamian people.

• It was believed that all gods united to influence Mesopotamian leaders.

• Specific gods were believed to have influence over different elements of nature and society.

• Specific gods were believed to have created trade networks between civilizations.

Based on this chart, what was a defining element of Mesopotamian religion?

• The importance of the Mesopotamian gods caused societal tensions.

• Mesopotamian gods directly influenced daily events.

• The roles of Mesopotamian gods inspired a strict social structure.

• Mesopotamian gods were believed to be uninterested in the daily lives of citizens.

What type of religion was the religion of the Sumerians?

• Monotheism
• Christianity
• Polytheism
• Judaism

Which element of Mesopotamian culture proves that its societies were polytheistic?

• They practiced a religion that believed in one singular god.

• They created a written form of laws.

• They used a basic system of mathematics.

• They practiced a religion that believed in multiple gods.

Which ancient civilization created this ziggurat?

• Alexandria

• Egypt

• Israel

• Sumer

The Sumerians believed their gods

• created a happy afterlife
• controlled everything
• had little power
• to be mortal

In order to make the gods/goddesses happy, the Mesopotamian priests

• worked in the fields

• made sacrifices of grains and other goods as gifts

• wrote scripts to read aloud

• built monuments all over Sumer

Why would the Mesopotamian people choose to believe in many gods, rather than just one?

• There are many different parts of nature that have to work together.

• They argue and have disagreements often.

• In Hammurabi's code, it was a law that there would have to be multiple gods.

• One god would pay no attention to humans.

Discuss the significance of polytheism in the daily life of ancient Mesopotamians.

• It had no impact on their daily life

• It influenced their laws and governance

• It was only important for religious leaders

• It played a role in their understanding of natural events

Answer explanation

Polytheism significantly influenced ancient Mesopotamians' understanding of natural events, as they attributed phenomena like floods and droughts to the actions of their gods, shaping their daily lives and responses to the environment.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking